[JeffJ]

2001 Frontier Crew Cab

My truck makes loud noises when I turn the steering wheel only when it is cold. It usually only happens when I am going less than 5 mph (backing up, etc.). Is there a problem with my power steering? What should I check?

 

[kannibul]

2WD or 4WD?

What type of noise? Grinding, thumping, etc...?

 

[JeffJ]

2WD or 4WD?

What type of noise? Grinding, thumping, etc...?

2WD

It kind of sounds like a grinding/low pitch squealing noise. It only happens when it is cold. Once I drive the truck for a while, it goes away.

 

[truckchick78]

It may be that the fluid is full of contaminants and is thicker because of it. When the fluid is cold, it's harder for the power steering pump to pump it. I would try changing the power steering fluid.

 

[steve500]

Hmm, I've had this same issue with my rodeo for the past year and a half.

It either does it only when I turn the wheel really fast and sharp to get out of a tight parking spot in a hurry or something or when I'm traveling slowly and turn sharp fast to steel a parking spot, lol.

It's a low pitch grunt/vibration while turning the wheel, doesn't affect steering performance at all though.

I can't find anything physically wrong at all nor does the fluid seem like it's bad. I haven't worried about it and it's been okay. I know it's a different vehicle and all, but it may be the exact same problem, whatever it is.

It also goes away for me too after a drive, but early in the morning when it's started in the winter it grunts.

I haven't read of any other nissan frontier owners with a similar issue, neither have I found anyone on the isuzu forums report of a similar issue so I haven't really dug into it. I guess a change of the fluid would be a good start, like truckchick78 said.